Circular Saw Blades

[rxvii]

I recently read that some woodworkers use 7 inch circular saw blades in their table saws. They claim that the advantage is a much smaller kerf and less strain on the motor. Has anyone tried this, or is this common practice? Is there a chance that one could damage the table saw in doing so? Personally, I can't see why it would, since my dado set is about this size, but I'm new to the game. Appreciate any input.

rx7

[LarryG]

Is it possible you read that here, on BT3 Central? We had a thread about that very question just last week.

I don't know that I'd call the practice "common," but it's certainly not unheard of since quite a few people seem to be doing it.

[LCHIEN]

i doubt you can hurt the saw.

[Knottscott]

Because the radius is quite a bit tighter, the attack angle of the teeth changes. It'll work, and it'll be easier to spin, but I doubt it'll cut as smoothly as a nice 10" blade.

[master53yoda]

i use the 7" if I'm cutting very thin cuts as the tip speed is reduced but I am using a 60 tooth blade which would be similar to a 100 tooth ten inch blade. the orignal thinking was that i use the 60 tooth on my skill saw when breaking down sheet goods and it gave me the same quality cut without buying the 100 tooth blade. $50.00 bill when not needed very often.

[Charlie]

Deleted by me.

[crokett]

A sign maker I know uses a 7" blade in a PM66. All he ever cuts is 1/2" MDO ply to make signs. His reasoning is that the ply is hard on the blades and the 7" blades are much cheaper, even for quality ones, than a 10" blade.

[LCHIEN]

theoretically, of course, the smaller blades last less linear cut distance.
if the teeth take the same bite off the wood, then fewer teeth around the circumference means each tooth will be used more often per given cut...
about 30% - but that's not a bad tradeoff considering the 7.25" blades cost a whole lot less than 70% of an equiv 10"